Texas Viticulture and Enology Research

Proceedings of the 2009 Texas Viticulture & Enology Research Symposium

Physiology of Grape Variety Adaptation to Climate

A research vineyard was established in 2006 to study the physiological basis of grapevine adaptation to climate – what makes a variety well-adapted to a hot climate? Twenty grape varieties have been planted representing a range of varieties that are known to perform well in different climatic regions (hot, warm, cool). The trial was established in a randomized, replicated experimental vineyard at the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. Each variety is represented by 4 replications of 5-vine plots in a randomized complete block design.

Preliminary grapevine physiology data has been collected from young vines. Vine physiology parameters measured are: leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthesis. Weather data is being collected on-site with an automated weather station to enable study of relationships between grapevine physiology and climatic variables.

For additional information on this research project contact:
Thayne Montague
Ed Hellman

Wine Grape Variety Evaluations

Texas is participating in the national program NE-1020: Multi-state Evaluation of Wine Grape Cultivars and Clones. This program employs coordinated regional trials using a standardized experimental design and data collection protocol, and includes production of experimental wines. Two "standard" varieties are included in each trial to enable comparison of results from different testing locations. The Texas variety trial includes eight varieties that show good promise for hot climates. The trial will be established in 2008 at the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. Varieties included in the trial are listed in the table below.

Texas NE-1020 Variety Trial
Aglianico Negro Amaro
Cabernet Sauvignon* Roussanne
Carignane Souzao
Malvasia bianca Touriga nacional
Merlot* Verdejo
*Standard variety for comparison

For additional information on this research project contact:
Ed Hellman
Thayne Montague

Rootstock Evaluations

A preliminary rootstock evaluation trial has been established at the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. The trial includes Merlot grafted to five rootstocks: 110R, 1103P, 44-53, 5BB, and Freedom. Grenache is being compared on three rootstocks: 110R, 1103P, and Freedom. A large rootstock evaluation trial is being planned for establishment in 2011 at the Lubbock AgriLife Research & Extension Center. It will include 6 rootstocks currently in common use and 6 new rootstock varieties developed in California for resistance to root-knot nematode. Rootstocks will be evaluated for effect on the viticultural characteristics of the scion variety. Parameters to be measured include pruning weight, yield and yield components, fruit composition, and phenology dates.

For additional information on this research project contact:
Ed Hellman
Thayne Montague

Pierce's Disease

Pierce's disease in Texas is being addressed by a multidisciplinary interagency program that combines the research and Extension education expertise of numerous scientists. Research reports are posted on the program website:
Texas Pierce's Disease Research and Education Program

For additional information on this research program contact:
Jim Kamas

Wine Marketing Research

Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute, Texas Tech University

The mission of the Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute is to provide timely and relevant research and education to audiences interested in the wine and grape industry and to foster the economic development and growth of the grape and wine industry in Texas.